Album, Single and EP Reviews


 

 

  Love, Soul & Spirit Vol 1 by Sista Monica


Love, Soul & Spirit Vol 1 cover art

Artist: Sista Monica
Title: Love, Soul & Spirit Vol 1
Catalogue Number: Mo Muscle MMRE8856
Review Format: CD
Release Year: 2004



Sista Monica is a survivor. This 14 track release from 2004 gives us some reasons to be thankful that she is still around.


The songs are a mostly covers of standards. The simpler tracks work best. For example, Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" would break your heart but "That's Life" is unconvincing by comparison. "Look of Love" and "What a Difference a Day Makes" are almost Vegas lounge style in their arrangements.  Highlights are a touching take on "Georgia on My Mind" and a spirited version of "People Get Ready".


Sista Monica has a fine voice and excellent taste in material but is let down by a lacklustre backing band. The end result is pleasant enough but lacks that bit of magic to make it special. You should check out her album Gimme that Old Time Religion  to see what she is really capable of.


www.sistamonica.com
Reviewer:
Review Date: June 22 2007